Gbenga Hashim Calls for Comprehensive Counter-Terror Strategy

Gbenga Hashim, a former presidential candidate, urged for a broader counter-terrorism strategy after the reported killing of ISIS Deputy Leader Abu Bilal al Minuki in a joint operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces. In a statement issued on Saturday, Hashim described this development as a clear demonstration of genuine international cooperation in the fight against global terrorism.

He expressed concern over the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups in Nigeria, noting that 18,000 Nigerians have lost their lives to terror-related violence in the past three years. Hashim identified extreme poverty, social deprivation, unemployment, and mass illiteracy as major drivers of insecurity.

He warned that Nigeria's 18 million school children remain highly vulnerable to extremist recruitment. He emphasized that addressing terrorism requires not only military action but also strong government policies to tackle the socio-economic conditions that fuel violent extremism, advocating for decisive leadership to implement a comprehensive counter-terrorism program capable of restoring peace and stability across the country.